People in Port Orchard with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart failure can now have medically tailored food that is condition-specific and nutritious delivered to their homes.

Franciscan Medical Clinic in Port Orchard has launched the program in partnership with South Kitsap Helpline and Cascadia Produce to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes in Kitsap County.

The program focuses on overcoming barriers to proper nutrition, clinic manager Diane Kropp explained. “A lot of times, there are cost and transportation barriers that prevent patients from following diets tailored to their diagnoses,” Kropp said. “This program is meant to break down those barriers and provide foods that directly support their medical needs, improving their health over the long term.”

Patients are identified through social determinants of health screenings during clinic visits. Those reporting issues like choosing between food or medications or struggling to access grocery stores are referred to Helpline, where they are enrolled in the program.

Jennifer Hardison, Helpline executive director, added: “We were approached by Virginia Mason, who told us about this great program in Pierce County. It seemed like a natural fit for Port Orchard, where health assessments revealed high rates of diabetes and obesity.”

The food boxes include fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins such as turkey, and shelf-stable foods. DoorDash ensures deliveries reach patients, helping to eliminate transportation challenges.

“Virginia Mason’s nutritionist provides guidelines to Cascadia on what should and shouldn’t go into the boxes. This ensures the foods are effective for improving patients’ health,” Hardison said, adding delivery technology was initially a challenge, but the process is now running smoothly.

Stephanie Christensen, Virginia Mason community integration program manager, added: “While the medically tailored food box program in Kitsap County is still in its early stages, we are excited about the initial results.”

The program’s potential is already evident. Inspired by the success in Tacoma, Hardison said, “I think it’s pretty much unlimited where we could go with this.”